Survey: Most Americans unfamiliar with incandescent bulb ban

A survey recently conducted for Lutron Electronics found that very few Americans are aware of the 40- and 60-watt incandescent bulb ban that just went into effect, let alone their lighting options going into 2014.

According to the survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. adults in November, fewer than one in three are aware that manufacturers are no longer allowed to produce the bulbs.

Additionally, one in 10 adults is familiar with lighting alternatives such as LEDs and CFLs.

“Manufacturers, retailers and others in the lighting industry—including the trade and general press—have been working to get the word out for the past two years,” said Terry McGowan, director of engineering for the American Lighting Association. “But since the 40- and 60-watt incandescent bulbs represent more than 60% of all U.S. household bulbs sold annually, some people will definitely be in for a shock.”

Some survey information could be potentially valuable for manufacturers; three-quarters of respondants said that it's important for the new energy-efficient bulbs to be dimmable.

The survey was conducted by The Futures Company, an independent research organization, in time for a panel gathering of experts in New York City that took place just before the law went into effect.

Comments

Jan 06, 2014 - 1:36 PM

Kevin Kelley says

How typical of government policies to require their implementation, but, not adequately inform those affected by the policies. Useless bureaucrats.

Jan 06, 2014 - 2:27 PM

NIckPasq@aol.com says

The fact that people are this clueless about what is going on gives you a clue as to how Obama could get re-elected.